I'm probably more patriotic and loyal to the concept of America than 99% of "Americans".....
That said, I have very little problem with someone going out and burning an American flag that they either bought and paid for or "made" themselves:
There are two reasons for this:
1: They are showing their ignorance, hatred and foolishness for everyone to see, which only strengthens "my side", the America loving, patriotic side of the arguement. When an opponent is reduced to such empty gestures, their own lack of a compelling, logical arguement (or their verbal inadequacy to express it) against the concept of America is exposed, and reduces their support by any but other similarly ignorant and hate filled people who are already beyond the reach of any rational, logical discussion.
2: It is good for the economy: Even if foreign made, they spent money for the flag or the materials from which they made the representation of the flag, and are destroying it, so someone profits...... Making a profit is the best way to spread "democracy" and Capitalism..... And if they do it again, .... More profit!!!!
Now, if they steal and destroy / desecrate MY flags or "government owned" flags that I helped pay for from tax dollars, or flags stolen from my "neighbor", I DO have a problem,...... Not because they burned a mere symbol, but because they are scum-sucking thieves and ignorant fools as well... Not sure which I despise more... Thieves or mere ignorant fools and their empty gestures....
I opposed the first attempt at making a Constitutional Ammendment against Flag Burning, and I oppose the recent / current attempts to make such an Ammendment. There are a lot more important things to worry about in this world than worrying about who burns a flag. There are already laws already on the books designed to protect or punish the theft of private or public property, and those politicians that support the ammendment of "my" "sacred" Constitution for something so trivial are IMHO mere political grandstanders who are unwilling or unable to grasp the real problems facing our American society today.....
And the only thing I worry about burning a flag that the America-haters bought and paid for themselves is that the fire may spread or the fumes harm a bystander with allergies / chemical sensitivities.
I've never been one to value symbols over substance..... I'd willingly die or kill to protect the substance or the concept of the United States.... The destruction of a mere symbol is, at worst, a mere irritation.
And most of all, I believe in private property rights..... By Gosh, if I own something, be it a flag; a copy of the Quran, a Bible; a Barbra Streisand, Dixie Chicks or a Harry Belafonte album; a personally autographed photo of George W. Bush OR of Joseph Stalin, or a Cross or ...... whatever.... As long as I don't violate fire codes or endanger someone else's life or property.... I have a right to burn it, wipe my posterior with it or dispose / desecrate it an any manner that I choose to..... And if it is a sin against God, Allah or whatever for me to do so, that is between me and "Him", not me and Congress or me and "you".
I have a lot bigger problem with certain elected pseudo-American politicians and appointed - hired bureaucrats that desecrate the Constitution and the very Concept of America on a regular basis than I do the occasional ignorant malcontent who burns a piece of fabric or paper that is merely a symbol.
While I understand, respect and even emotionally agree with people that want to "kick the butts" or fine or imprison flag burners.... IMO, that is NOT what this counrty is all about. Patriotism can not be legislated.... To me that is kind of like the old joke about "the beatings will continue until morale improves." If you don't feel it in your heart and in your mind, coerced pseudo-patriotisim is more dangerous and more harmful to the Nation than overt hatred of it.
/end of rant.
Sorry for ranting. I feel kind of strongly about this and have put a lot of thought into the subject for decades.
